Glen Boles was born in New Brunswick in 1934 and came to Calgary, Alberta, in 1953. A few years later he was persuaded to go climbing by fellow worker and mountain guide, Heinz Kahl. With Kahl and Brian Greenwood he was introduced to the more serious side of the sport. Since then, Glen has climbed extensively in Canada and also in Alaska and Europe, but his first love is the Canadian Rockies where he has summited over 450 peaks, often by a difficult new route. Many were first ascents.

Over the years Glen became familiar with all facets of climbing, from expedition climbing to mountain rescue. But more than anything he has enjoyed climbing with the Grizzly Group, a small group of friends dedicated to making first ascents in the remoter regions of the Rockies. In the winter he is an avid skier, both backcountry and downhill. For 13 years he was a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Enriching his mountain experiences is Glen’s interest in photography and drawing for which he has become well-known throughout the North American climbing community.

In the last few years he has turned to painting in water colours and acrylics. Although his work has appeared in many publications, this is the first book devoted totally to his black and white art.

Artist and photographer Glen Boles has climbed extensively throughout North America and Europe, but his first love is the Canadian Rockies, where he has summited over 450 peaks, often by difficult new routes. Many of his climbs were first ascents. Glen, who lives in Cochrane, Alberta, is the author of Glen Boles: My Mountain Album. Art & Photography of the Canadian Rockies & Columbia Mountains.

Glen Boles' profile page